Concrete truly is an unsung hero, playing a pivotal role in constructing much of the urban environments we inhabit. Thanks to its versatility, durability and affordability, concrete has made its way into practically every street on the planet and it’s one of the most widely used materials worldwide.
Wherever you are, take a look around and there’s a good chance you’ll spot concrete somewhere. Whether it’s roads, bridges or residential buildings – these are usually made from concrete in some way or another.
It’s a material we take for granted and don’t give much thought to, but we thought we’d provide some interesting insight into concrete, taking you back through its history to when it was first created, as well as explaining how it’s made and what’s made it such a monumental success.
While most of us think of it as a relatively new invention, concrete has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with ancient civilisations like the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans using variations of the material in their architecture.
Then in the 19th century, the modern concrete we know today started to emerge, thanks to the development of Portland cement, which is the key ingredient in concrete production.
Since then, concrete has been without a doubt the most important material in the construction industry, and it’s helped mankind create strong, durable and cost-effective structures.
The Process To Make Concrete
To make concrete, manufacturers start with raw materials including sand, gravel and crushed stone, along with cement and water.
These materials are mined or quarried from different locations around the world, but while you may think they’re all the same, this is actually far from the truth. Their composition will differ depending on where they’re sourced, with specific types chosen based on their quality and suitability for the desired application.
Once the materials are gathered, proportions are calculated and mixed in precise ratios to create the concrete mixture. The mixing process typically takes place in a concrete batching plant, where the materials will be combined in a rotating drum or mixer to ensure they mix properly.
As the ingredients are mixed, water is added gradually to achieve the desired consistency. Once mixed, the concrete is then transported to the construction site using trucks or conveyors before being poured into moulds or forms to create the desired shapes and structures.
Why Concrete Repair Is Essential
Although concrete is so widely used partly due to its durability and strength, unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to wear and tear over time.
Exposure to environmental factors such as weathering, temperature fluctuations and chemical corrosion will take its toll on concrete, leading to deterioration over time.
This is where concrete repair comes into play, as it helps address issues like cracks, spalling and surface defects that can compromise the safety and even the structural integrity of concrete.
Concrete repair techniques vary depending on the extent and nature of the damage, with options ranging from patching and resurfacing to structural reinforcement and rehabilitation.
We specialise in concrete repair, so we would assess the damage with a concrete condition survey before recommending the best course of action.